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Archive for September, 2010« Older EntriesNewer Entries » Alcohol Consumption and Traffic Crashes in USPosted on Sep 20, 2010
An organization called Insurance Institute for Highway Safety keeps track of alcohol consumption and traffic accident in the U.S. It is a neutral party that investigates the reasons behind traffic crashes, injuries and deaths on the highways of America. Insurance companies help the organization by donating money for its work hoping that the results of their investigation will reduce the number of accident on the roads which is in the insurance companies’ best interest. This organization also keeps track of alcohol consumption and traffic crashes in the U.S. Effects of Alcohol Consumption and Traffic Crashes in USIt is not easy to calculate the proportion of traffic accidents and automobile crashes that involve alcohol consumption. Getting definite numbers is not entirely possible. Even though drinking is known to elevated the chances of vehicle accidents but its presence alone is not enough to say it caused an accident. All accidents that a driver has with an elevated blood alcohol level are not caused by drinking. Statistical Difficulties in Calculating Alcohol Consumption and AccidentsTo find out the amount of accidents caused by alcohol consumption, it first has to be established how many times people in America drive while drinking and do not cause accidents. This is a stat that is rarely measured and is difficult to come by. Results of Studies Done on Fatal Traffic Accident and Alcohol ConsumptionA study done in 2002 by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) estimated a number just below 40% represented the number of all traffic deaths that happened with one of the drivers having a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or above. This stat is used to show proof that 1/3 to 1/2 of all deadly accidents are caused by alcohol consumption and that the accidents would not have happened if alcohol consumption was not somehow involved. However making this assumption is not entirely accurate and is a little misleading due to the fact that alcohol is just one of many factors which affect accident and people that drive while intoxicated. Using estimated calculations to come up with numbersThe above stat may be accurate but it is still based partially on estimated numbers and incomplete information. More accurate studies show that only about 13 percent of all vehicle operators involved in deadly accidents in the US during a specific year were known to have had high levels of alcohol in their systems due to consumption. This number is more accurate because it is based off looking at the official records of all crashes that involve a deaths during that year in the U.S. this takes out the guess work of early studies and shows a reduced rate of alcohol consumption and traffic crashes in the U.S. Unreported CrashesConsider also that these studies are all based on crashes that involve fatalities because these accidents will most certainly be reported. How many accidents which involve alcohol consumption or no alcohol consumption are not ever reported to any agency? This will make you understand how many facts that are reported in the popular press which are based on guesswork and estimations are reported as fact. Reducing factors which contribute to crashes in USAlcohol consumption is just one factor in reducing preventable traffic crashes and there has been a drop in alcohol related crashes over the years, this does not negate the fact that we must do more to prevent drunk driving it just points to the fact that we must do even more to reduce crashes caused by all factors like a cell phone users, aggressive drivers, or sleepy drivers. They must all be reduced. Alcohol, DWI Issues2 Comments »Alcohol Consumption DWI CrashesGeorge Michael arrested for DUIPosted on Sep 17, 2010Most of you remember George Michael, the singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s. His first solo single, “Careless Whisper” was released selling about six million copies worldwide. He was also a member of one of the most successful band of the 80s Wham! Well, on July 4, 2010 around 3:30 in the morning Michael crashed his Range Rover into Snappy Snaps photo-printing storefront close to his home in Hampstead, north London while allegedly being under the influence of cannabis. According to reports, Michael was driving home just after attending a ‘Gay Pride’ parade in London.  George Michael Found Spaced Out On DrugsAccording to police reports, when they found Michael, he was passed out behind the wheel of his motor vehicle, looking a bit dazed and confused. The police officer also found two marijuana cigarettes still in his possession. Michael, 47 was arrested on July 4 in north London and was released on bail. George Michael Ongoing Legal ProblemsMichael appeared in court to face charges were he pleaded guilty on both charges; driving under the influence of drugs and possessing cannabis. This is not his first incident with the law. Back in 2007, Michael pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of drugs. He lost his driving privileges for two years and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. This arrest comes just a few months after receiving his driving privileges back following his prior two-year driving suspension. The VerdictGeorge Michael was found guilty for DUI and drug possession and was sentenced to eight weeks in jail, by officials at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court in London. His eight weeks sentence will be divided between prison time and parole. He was also fined $1,250 and his driving privileges were taken away yet again, but this time for five years. Final ruling is scheduled for September 14. George Michael broke his promise to his FansGeorge Michael wrote an apology letter to his fans back in 2007 when he was also arrested for drug possession. He apologized for the incident and told them that immediately after the incident he had checked himself into a rehab treatment clinic to deal with his drug addiction. He apparently stayed in a detox program for 14 days in London. He also stated that he was also receiving ongoing outpatient drug counseling a few times a week to deal with his drug problems. He made a promise to his fans that he would “sort himself out.” So what went wrong? Celebrities and DWI, DUINo Comments »Celebrity DWI DUIDWI & Your Auto Insurance – What is at stake?Posted on Sep 14, 2010Aside from the increased risk of killing yourself and others, a drunk driving charge carries other very serious consequences from your auto insurance company. If you have been charged with a DWI for alcohol, drugs or both, it will make your auto insurance rates sky high. If your auto insurance company discovers you are a high-risk driver your car insurance will increase or worse, your car insurance policy could be cancelled leaving you with a DWI and a cancellation on your record. DWI Laws and Car Insurance Coverage DWI laws and car insurance coverage vary by state. Some auto insurance companies will determine your rates on a case-to-case basis depending on your age, gender, driving history and your vehicle model. Most states will require DWI offenders to get a SR-22 form from their auto insurance carriers. This means you can’t hide your DWI charges from your insurers. This form provides assurance to the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) that you carry liability insurance in order to remove your license suspension. An SR-22 also requires your auto insurance company to notify DMV of cancellation of auto insurance. Drunk Drivers Too Risky To InsureFor many auto insurance companies, drunk drivers are a high risk. For this reason, many people convicted of DWI find themselves without auto insurance because insurance companies simply cancel their coverage. MADD reports that during the week, 30 percent of all fatal auto wrecks were alcohol related and the fatalities increase significantly on the weekend. Auto insurers just don’t want to take the risk! Auto Insurance: A Requirement for All Motorists It is illegal to drive without auto insurance in the US. All states require motorists to have auto insurance in order to drive on public roads. This is why car insurance is a major issue for those charged with drunk driving, driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), or any other alcohol or drug-related driving offense. Keep in mind that each time you renew your auto insurance, your insurer will do a DMV check. When you engage in drinking and choose to drive under the influence, you are putting yourself and the lives of others at risk. There is no question that, after being convicted of drunk driving, you will be categorized as a high risk driver and your auto premiums will go up. Finding coverage after a DWI conviction will not be as easy, so don’t drink and drive. Who suffers the most? You be the judge! DWI Insurance5 Comments »Car Insurance DWI Insurance |
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